Hey All,
So it's day 10 for me... and I thought it was time to share the things I've thought, experienced, learnt about myself and others.
First things first I've realised how much I need the interaction of others; be that colleagues, loved ones, friends or even strangers. Physical touch, greetings, hugs, smiles, chatter and noise of humans. I'm fortunate in that I can connect virtually BUT IT IS NOT THE SAME!!!! I want to reach through the screens and hold a person.... this has to be the hardest for those people (family members and friends included) who live alone. Isolation is not just impacting on the spread of the virus, but also on our understanding of why we need others and I feel once this is over we won't be so quick to avoid family/ friends, not answer that call or opportunity to meet, to gladly shake the hand of a passer by and hold onto our loved ones that bit tighter and longer than before.
Neighbours have become important. Chatting over the garden fence is now a thing I treasure! Before it would have been intrusive or just a pain... but now I look forward to those moments of exchange, commonality and feeling of togetherness. I've seen acts of kindness, neighbours reaching out to those alone and leaving food/ flowers/ pictures on doorsteps. Why has it taken this extreme situation for us to really care?
Laughter, music, dancing, singing... all these things I've always loved but now more than ever these are important. Dancing in the living room, singing in the garden, watching as much comedy and laughing lots!! It's medicine to the soul and I'm grateful for those who write, perform, share and inspire.
No -one more so than the AMAZING Daisy-May Cooper!!! Those of you who listened to her live instagram will now... those of you who can tune in tonight at 8pm live... even if you don't see yourself as a writer this woman has so much to offer and give, as an artist and human, I have taken notes so will type up and share on email. I couldn't encourage you enough to seek her out... a joy awaits!
Lastly, I've learnt that it's important to stop. Stop working, moving, looking, watching, fearing, worrying.... and just be. This is an extreme time and I cannot wait for it to end, but it has made me appreciate all I have and those I love and I can't wait to see you all and have a HUGE party!! 🤗
Nice one Emma- daily goals are what keeps us going! and YES purpose, feels even more relevant..... great to have this group to share with x
For the first week or so motivation was basically non-existent, just slobbing around because why not?
Then this week I've been more organised and set daily goals: do a workout here, do some uni work there, try to play the keyboard (learning very slowly) and today's personal favourtie... MAKE GYOZAS! Little daily goals are making the days go quicker and giving some sort of purpose 💪🏼
Hope you're all staying safe and enjoying those over the fence neighbour conversations and new connections!
It's really important to remember that the people who are behaving selfishly are the ones who get reported in the media; this limited interaction has made me realise how many people mean well towards others 😀
All I know is I cannot wait for the party! It's mad that its taken a global pandemic to get neighbours to talk to each other and housemates to build relationships. But these are lovely things aren't they. I really hope that these lovely things continue when all this is over! 🤞
This is lovely to hear... especially about your housemates 🤗 it is true that people are connecting more, right now, let's hope that continues post lockdown xxx
“I've realised how much I need the interaction of others; be that colleagues, loved ones, friends or even strangers.”
I’m from Portugal and being away from home is very, very hard, especially because I have no idea when I’ll be able to go back home. Also, the possibility of someone I know getting sick (not necessarily from Covid-19) and not being able to support my friends or my family, is just heartbreaking. The other day my dad had an accident and the fact that I don’t have the chance to help him… it’s just terrible. BUT…
…special things have happening too. For example, the relationship with my housemates is totally different. Suddenly, we are becoming closer, and the fact that we are all immigrants really helps in those moments when you’re missing home and don’t know how to forget about that.
Also, I have more time now to develop my new projects. I’m feeling so inspired by all the shows, Instagram lives and concerts available online for free.
I’ve been meeting new people too, for example, in small mini markets. People who reply to my silence with: “No worries, love, we’ll take care of you!” <3
So… Let’s stay strong, together, and use this time to think about the things we have been losing in this crazy modern routine.